The University of Mumbai (MU), in collaboration with Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Research and Training Institute (BARTI), the SOS Ambedkar Society, and Gray’s Inn, co-organised an international conference in London to explore Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s global vision and enduring impact on justice, equality, and democracy.
Held on April 24 and 25 at the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn—where Dr Ambedkar once studied law—the event drew academics, legal experts, and researchers from India, the United Kingdom, and several other countries. According to MU officials, the historic venue provided a fitting backdrop for discussions on Ambedkar’s influence across global societies.
Prominent figures at the conference included India’s High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Kumar Doraiswami, MU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ravindra Kulkarni, Maharashtra's Minister for Social Justice Sanjay Shirsat, and Professor Christophe Jaffrelot of King’s College London, who chaired the academic sessions.
The conference featured lectures and panel discussions by leading scholars, including Professor David Moss (SOS), Dr Ruth Kattumuri (London School of Economics and Political Science), and Professor William Gould (University of Leeds), focusing on Ambedkar’s contributions to constitutionalism, social justice movements, and democratic thought.
Professor David Moss said that Dr Ambedkar’s advocacy for social justice remains relevant worldwide. Dr Sam Hutchinson provided historical insights into Ambedkar’s time at Gray’s Inn, noting the reconstruction of his study room and the lasting presence of his legacy there
High Commissioner Doraiswami highlighted Ambedkar’s significance not only for India but for broader global movements towards equality. Minister Shirsat described attending the conference at Gray’s Inn as “one of the most emotional and significant experiences” of his public life.
The two-day event also included visits to key sites linked to Dr Ambedkar’s time in London, such as the Dr Ambedkar archives at the London School of Economics, Ambedkar House, and the Indian High Commission. Participants also joined a memorial event organised by the Indian High Commission to pay tribute to victims of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
